Senior Communications Specialist

Canada West Foundation; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canada West Foundation seeks a Senior Communications Specialist to enhance its public policy communications. This high-impact role involves developing strategic communications plans, translating complex ideas into compelling content, and engaging with media and stakeholders. The ideal candidate has strong writing skills and is comfortable working with senior leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Professional Growth Opportunities

Creative Work Environment

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, media, public affairs, or a related field.
• Ability to manage deadlines and work independently.
• Curiosity about public policy, particularly in Western Canada.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategic communications plans to boost engagement.
• Translate complex research into accessible content for various channels.
• Support media engagement by preparing materials and outreach.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

Education

Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or related field

Tools

WordPress

Google Analytics

HubSpot

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

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Bring Policy to Life. Shape Conversations That Matter.

Join our Strategic Communications team as a Senior Communications Specialist

Reports to: Director of Communications

Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Make Ideas Matter

At the Canada West Foundation, we believe that good public policy changes lives — and that strategic, compelling communications bring it to life. We’re looking for an experienced communications professional to help lead and evolve how we show up across the country — shaping narratives, elevating our voice and amplifying bold ideas that matter to the West.

This is a high-impact role for a candidate with strong judgment, sharp instincts and a passion for public policy. If you’re equally comfortable advising senior leaders, managing reputational risks and crafting platform-ready content — we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As Senior Communications Specialist, you’ll play a key role in shaping the Foundation’s voice, content and engagement strategy. You’ll work closely with internal leaders and external partners to bring clarity, credibility and creativity to everything we communicate.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver integrated communications plans that drive engagement and advance institutional priorities.

• Provide counsel to research staff and leadership on messaging, media and stakeholder positioning.

• Monitor the impact of our communications — and adjust strategies to maximize relevance and reach.

Content & Messaging

• Translate complex research into accessible, compelling content across digital, print and public channels.

• Craft speeches, op-eds, media releases, donor communications, talking points and more.

• Uphold message discipline and tone across the organization.

Media & Public Engagement

• Support media engagement by drafting materials, preparing spokespeople and coordinating outreach in collaboration with the Director.

• Identify and act on emerging opportunities and risks in the media landscape.

• Oversee the creation of digital content, including social media, email newsletters and website updates.

• Contribute to the look and feel of CWF communications using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Use analytics to inform strategy, refine tactics and grow reach.

Events & Institutional Presence

• Lead communications for major events — from public panels to private roundtables and stakeholder briefings.

• Ensure strong narrative alignment across invitations, remarks, materials and follow-up.

• Collaborate across teams to amplify event impact and support institutional goals.

What You Bring

We’re looking for a confident communicator with the judgment, initiative, and range to own complex files and work well with senior-level stakeholders. You combine strategic insight with a strong execution mindset.

• Experience in communications, media, public affairs, or a related field.

• Strong writing and editing skills across multiple formats and tones.

• Experience with media relations, digital content creation, and stakeholder engagement.

• Comfort with tools like WordPress, Google Analytics, HubSpot, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite or Constant Contact.

• Ability to manage deadlines, juggle competing priorities and work independently.

• Curiosity about public policy and the issues shaping Western Canada.

• A collaborative mindset and a solutions-oriented approach.

Bonus Points

• Background in policy, nonprofit or research environments.

• Experience in donor communications or advancement.

Why Join Us?

• Mission with Meaning – Shape public conversations that impact lives and communities in Western Canada.

• Creative Range – Build your portfolio across digital, print, events and strategy.

• Professional Growth – Take the lead on files, pitch bold ideas and see your work in action.

• Culture that Cares – Join a high-performing team that values impact, not egos.

• Competitive Compensation – Commensurate salary and benefits.

About Us

The Canada West Foundation is a non-partisan, evidence-based think tank focused on the big issues shaping Western Canada’s future — from trade and energy to innovation and workforce development, and all in between.We’re here to turn smart ideas into real-world change.

When policy works for the West, it strengthens the whole country.

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume as a single document to [e-mail] with the subject line:

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Applications accepted until 11:59 PM MT on June 24, 2025

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Industries

  Think Tanks

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